Spring, summer, and even partially into autumn are the best times for kayaking. Late fall and all of winter are often just too cold to enjoy going out on a lake or river for this activity. So, it makes sense that you will need to put your gear away to keep it from sitting in your home for months without getting any use. Renting a storage unit will give you the ability to put all sorts of seasonal items away. But, it will be extremely beneficial for putting away a large object like a kayak and all of the gear that you use with it.
Life Jacket
It is important to always have a life jacket for each person and an extra for multi-person kayaks. Along with a well-maintained kayak and paddles, the life jackets are essential to have in great condition. They need to not have any damage at all to be able to rely on them in an emergency. So, you do not want to cut corners when it comes to the requirements, such as storing in good ventilation and drying them on their own. Testing out each life jacket after taking it out of storage is crucial to check the buoyancy level.
Kayak
Suspending your kayak with padded points is the optimal way to store any kayak. Unfortunately, you will not be able to do this in a storage unit because you cannot mount anything to the wall or the ceiling. An easy workaround is to take two freestanding shelving units and attach suspenders to each one. This will allow you to keep the kayak in a safe position while it stays in storage for a few months. Although a kayak may be able to handle a unit with no climate control, it is better to get one with this feature. It is worth paying the extra $40 or so per month to feel fully confident in your kayak's storage.
Spray Skirt
An essential addition to your kayak is a spray skirt, especially for whitewater kayaking. Neoprene is a common material used, which is also what most wetsuits are made from. This material typically has a lifespan ranging from 5 to 10 years, so you want to do your very best to make sure it lasts that long. To avoid a permanent crease when putting it into storage, you should lay it in its natural state.
Putting these tips into action will ensure that you have well-maintained kayak gear to use next year.
Share
